Grilled Peaches with Honey Vanilla

Juicy peaches take on a new life when caramelized over an open flame. This recipe is my ultimate answer for a fast summer dessert that captures both elegance and ease. Served with vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of honey, grilled peaches have become an instant crowd-pleaser at our backyard get-togethers and family celebrations.

I first whipped up these peaches during a last-minute barbecue when dessert plans fell through. Everyone raved and now we hope someone forgets the pie every time so we have an excuse to grill up a few more.

Ingredients

• Ripe but firm peaches: Choose peaches with a lightly fragrant aroma and a gentle give to their flesh. They hold up to heat and become wonderfully juicy
• Unsalted butter: Melted butter helps caramelize the fruit and keeps things rich. Choose sweet cream butter for the best flavor
• Honey: Adds natural sweetness and a golden color. Use local honey if you can for more complex undertones
• Ground cinnamon: Adds a gentle warmth. If you want a twist for extra depth pick a fresh jar with a strong smell
• High-quality vanilla ice cream: When ice cream is the highlight buy the best you can find. Look for real vanilla beans in the label or specks in the ice cream
• Fresh mint leaves: Optional but their coolness and color look gorgeous against the warm peaches

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Grill:

Wash and prep your grill or grill pan. Heat to medium-high so the peaches caramelize without burning. Lightly oil the grates before you begin to keep everything from sticking

Prepare the Peaches:

Halve the peaches and remove pits so they are flat on the cut side. Pat the peaches dry with a towel for the best grill marks

Make the Glaze:

In a small bowl melt the butter. Stir in the honey and sprinkle in cinnamon if you are using. This mix brings sweetness and warmth in every bite

Brush Peaches Before Grilling:

Generously brush the cut side of each peach half with the butter and honey mixture. Make sure every nook is covered so each bite is flavorful

Grill the Peaches Cut Side Down:

Place the peaches cut side down on the grill. Let them cook for about three to four minutes. Do not move them until the edges begin to caramelize and you see deep grill marks

Flip and Grill to Finish:

Carefully use tongs to turn each peach so the skin side is down. Grill for another three to four minutes until soft to the touch but not falling apart. The peaches should smell intensely sweet

Plate and Serve:

Remove peaches from the grill and arrange two halves on each plate. Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Drizzle again with honey and scatter fresh mint leaves if you have them. Serve immediately so the peaches are warm and the ice cream just starts to melt

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My favorite part of this dessert is the way honey crackles over the fruit I remember my youngest leaning over the grill next to me asking if the honey would make the peaches taste like candy We were both delighted at the answer

Storage Tips

Grilled peaches are best enjoyed right after making when they are warm and juicy If you need to make them ahead store the grilled peaches in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days Warm gently on the grill or in a microwave before serving with fresh ice cream

Ingredient Substitutions

Feel free to swap out peaches with ripe nectarines or plums for a subtle tartness Dairy free eaters can use vegan butter and plant-based vanilla ice cream For extra crunch add toasted nuts like almonds or pecans After plenty of experimenting I can promise that the recipe is as flexible as your summer fruit bowl

Serving Suggestions

This dessert stands beautifully on its own but pairs well with crisp white wine or a floral Moscato For a more decadent treat add a sprinkle of toasted coconut or a drizzle of dark chocolate sauce A scoop of brown sugar caramel ice cream also works wonders if you want a richer finish

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A Bit of Peach History

Grilled fruit desserts have deep roots in southern American cooking as they highlight the bounty of summer fruit and the fun of outdoor cooking Peaches themselves are celebrated across the southern United States especially in Georgia which is famous for its orchard-fresh stone fruit There is something timeless about ending a meal with warm fruit and ice cream shared outside among friends

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I tell when the grilled peaches are ready?

The peaches are ready when distinct grill marks appear and the flesh softens without becoming mushy. Flip once for even caramelization.

→ Can I use any type of peach?

Firm, ripe peaches work best for grilling as they hold shape. If unavailable, nectarines or plums are excellent alternatives.

→ Is this dessert suitable for gluten-free diets?

Yes, all listed ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Always double-check related labels to confirm.

→ What if I need a dairy-free version?

Swap butter with plant-based alternatives and choose dairy-free vanilla ice cream for a completely plant-based option.

→ What drinks pair well with this dessert?

Sweet wines like Moscato or late-harvest Riesling enhance the fruity and creamy flavors beautifully.